Provided herein are robotic systems for example MRI guided robots for image guided robot assisted surgical procedures and methods for using the same to perform such surgical procedures on a patient. The robotic systems comprise a robotic manipulator device or global positioner means for actuating the robotic manipulator or global positioner that is mechanically linked thereto and a computer having a memory a processor and at least one network connection in electronic communication with the robotic system. The actuating means comprises at least one transmission line having a flexible component comprising a displaceable medium a rigid component comprising rigid pistons or a combination through which actuation is transmitted to the robotic manipulator or global positioner. The computer tangibly stores in memory software modules comprising processor executable instructions to provide interfaces between the robotic system an imaging system and an operator and to control operation thereof.
